Hungry? Well, maybe not just “hungry.” More
like, HANGRY? You should consider a massive buffet meal.

Daegu has a few options for gluttonous
outings. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the pros and cons of each.
Henceforth, let this be known as “Battle of the Buffets.”

******************

The lower end of our buffet-spectrum is the
Ashley American Grill. At just 19,900 won
per person, this is a great deal if you’re looking for something to fill
you up for a lower cost. For an additional
3,000 won, you can add bottomless wine to your meal. (Did you read
that? Yes. YAS. I said BOTTOMLESS WINE, dude.)

The restaurant offers two reds and two
whites, though none are of any high quality. But, as you may know, wine buzzed
is the best buzzed; and the barrels at Ashley’s will get the job done.

If you’re looking for somewhere to hang out
for two hours and stuff your face with some pretty decent food and desserts, I
would highly recommend Ashley’s. Ashley’s has a much more extensive offering of
entrées and sides than VIPs had; there are more desserts to choose from and
more hot dishes to check out.

Between
the two locales our group has visited so far, I’m more keen to get myself back
to Ashley’s for the free-flowing, cheap wine and better buffet offering.

But don’t take my word for it. In order to
get a good idea of how to share this with you, I asked my friends to share their
thoughts again on this visit. Here’s the quick breakdown on our visit to Ashley
American Grill.

*****************

Name:Caitlin L.

What
was your favorite buffet dish?

I
liked the pizzas and the lemon jelly [dessert] thing.

Bottomless
wine. Yes or no?

Yes.

Rate
your overall experience – scale of 1-5 (5 being high).

A
3.5. The [special seasonal offering] crepe was disappointing, as were the meat
dishes.

Would
you recommend this restaurant to friends?

If
the want a Korean-American fusion food experience, yeah.

Anything
you’d like to add?

Bottomless
wine is the best, though that certainly wasn't the best quality wine.

Yes,
definitely. It was worth the trek up the hill [to this location].

Anything
you’d like to add?

Desserts were awesome - all trillion of them
that I sampled.

Name:Shea L.

What
was your favorite buffet dish?

Hard
to decide but I enjoyed the ddukbokki carbonara a lot.

Bottomless
wine. Yes or no?

Yes.

Rate
your overall experience – scale of 1-5 (5 being high).

I
give Ashley a 4 out of 5.

Would
you recommend this restaurant to friends?

Yes,
I would!

Anything
you’d like to add?

The
buffet was really good with a lot of variety, which was nice. There’s something
for everyone.

Name:Shannon I.

What
was your favorite buffet dish?

My
favorite was the fruit selection. I love that dragon fruit is always available.
Other than that, almost everything from the meat area is good, too.

Bottomless
wine. Yes or no?

Not
for me; I don’t drink.

Rate
your overall experience – scale of 1-5 (5 being high).

Maybe
a 4 out of 5.Considering, the staff brought us a new crepe [after our first one
was sad-looking], I'd say my normally
good experience was made even better.

Would
you recommend this restaurant to friends?

Yes,
I would!

Anything
you’d like to add?

Nope.
That’s it.

*****************

So, in Part 2 of our series, it looks like
everyone would likely choose Ashley Grill over VIPs… You’ll have to try both
and decide for yourself! Check out one of their many locations in town:

Inside
Donga Department Store downtown

On
the subway: Take the green line to Banwoldang
Station. Walk to the Donga store entrance in the subway station and take the
elevator or escalators up to the Ashley Grill floor.

Tower 83 at
E-World

This
is where our group visited and I highly recommend it!

On
the subway: Take the green line to Duryu Park
Station and take the E-World exit (Exit 15). You can either take a taxi and ask
them to take you to Tower 83 (also Woobang Tower or Daegu Tower) or walk to
E-world. If walking, stay to the left and walk around what seems like the back
of the park, toward the car park. From here, you’ll need to trek up the very
steep hill to get to the tower – no need to pay park admission to get there!

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

If you’re looking for something special to give someone as a gift for a holiday or birthday, the only thing better than a handmade gift might be dessert! At Micake Cake Decorating Studio, you can have the best of both worlds. Micake is one of a few shops in Daegu where you can decorate your own cake or cupcake.

The first step is to choose whether you
want to decorate a cake or several cupcakes. Micake has traditional circular,
dome-shaped, and heart-shaped cakes in various sizes and flavors. They range in
price from 14,000 to 23,000 won just for the cake itself. The most expensive
cake is really nine pieces of cake in different flavors arranged together. Some
cakes also have filling, and you can even decorate a cheese cake. At Micake,
you also have the option of decorating the top of a cheese tart. Micake has
four flavors of cupcake to choose from: green tea, strawberry, chocolate, and
vanilla. You can choose 2, 4, 6, or 9 cupcakes to decorate, and they don’t have
to be the same flavor. Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes are 2,000 won each and
strawberry and green tea cupcakes are 2,500 won each.

The next decision you have to make after
choosing your cake or cupcake is what color and flavor of frosting you want to
use. Cakes already come with some frosting on then, but you get to choose two
or three extra frosting flavors to use as decoration. You can choose white
vanilla, green mint, brown chocolate, purple grape, yellow banana, or pink
strawberry frosting. What’s even better is that you can also choose what tip
you want on the end of each frosting piping bag. For this unfamiliar, a piping
bag is the bag you squeeze all the frosting out of to decorate a cake. The
metal tip of the bag comes in variety of shapes, and the frosting will take the
shape of the piping bag tip when you add it to your cake. The menu has pictures
that show what the frosting will look like when it is squeezed out of the
piping bag to help you make your decision. The allows you to be more creative
with your final cake and cupcake designs.

Micake is quite a large shop with plenty of
seating for customers and decorating space. Each table comes with a circular
rotating block at the center so that you can make sure your cakes are
beautifully decorated all over. The shop is also very clean, and customers are
encouraged to wash their hands prior to decorating. Grab a pair of tweezers and
a plate from the sterilization case and choose whatever decorations you would
like for your cupcakes.

Micake boasts a wide range of decorations, including those made of sugar and chocolate. There are decorations for practically any occasion. Chocolate decorations can be found inside a large cooler along with several types of fruit, which you can also use for your cake or cupcakes. For cakes, they even have several stencil designs; put the stencil on the cake and dust cocoa powder over it to imprint the words onto your cake then just carefully remove the stencil. If you need inspiration or assistance, the bakers at Micake are more than willing to give you a few pointers, or you can look at the many photo idea books at the shop.

You could have a whole birthday party at
this cake studio because they even stock party hats, birthday sunglasses, and
candles. For a unique and delicious treat, head over to Micake Cake Deocorating
Studio where you can decorate a cake or cupcakes especially for that special
someone.

Thursday, April 16, 2015

You
could argue that Daegu is lacking in the foreign food department, but there is
one restaurant downtown that is attempting to change all that. Panasia is a
restaurant that serves delicious cuisine from a variety of Asian countries,
including Thailand, China, Indonesia, and Singapore.

﻿

If
you’ve spent any amount of time in Korea, you will know that Korea has its own
kind of Chinese food. American Chinese food is something you can hardly ever
find, but it is on the menu at Panasia. Get a taste of the Chinese food you’re
used to with Panasia’s cashew chicken or general tso’s chicken. Entrees are
typically between 10,000 and 20,000 won, but portions are very generous, so
you’ll probably want to share.

Thai
food is also very uncommon in Daegu, but Panasia does it really well. The pad
thai is tasty and satisfying. Panasia even have sweet and refreshing Thai ice
tea served in a metal bucket and meant for sharing. There are a few flavors of
mojitos that are served the same way and are even hand-mixed at your table. The
large drinks cost about 8,000 won. Panasia also has a good selection of Asian
beers, such as Chang, for around 5,000 won a bottle.

Other
popular dishes include curry and Singaporean chili crab for entrees and spring
rolls and steamed buns as appetizers.

The
restaurant is conveniently located on bar street right near Thursday Party. Go out of Jungangno Station exit 2 on the red
line and take a left towards 2.28 Memorial Park. Walk straight as far as you
can, and when you get to the park, make a right. Continue walking along the
side of the park. Take your second left to get to bar street.Walk straight for a few minutes, and Panasia
will be on your right on the second floor.

Panasia
is a great asset to Daegu, giving guests the chance to try food for all over
Asia.

Monday, April 13, 2015

If you go downtown often, you may have already noticed the new waffle shop, Waffleria, that opened up across the street from the YMCA. It’s hard to miss because there’s usually a line out the door. Although waffles are already a popular dessert in Korea, Waffleria seems to be a new trend, so I wanted to check it out and see if it is worth the hype.

Waffleria’s sign calls their products “American Big Waffles,” but any American knows that Korean waffles, at any shop in Korea, are distinctly Korean, not American. In the US, you’d be hard pressed to find waffles like the ones sold in Korea. That being said, these waffles are no less delicious. Korean waffle shops sell the large, Belgian waffles typically eaten for breakfast in Western countries. The waffles are then dressed up with a range of different toppings, including whipped cream, fruit, nuts, and chocolate chips.

Waffleria sell waffles overflowing with delicious toppings. In terms of their menu and prices, Waffleria is very similar to the other waffle shops you can find throughout the city. Most of their waffles have whipped cream on them, which is typical of waffle shops. But the toppings make a few of the menu items more unique, like the cinnamon, caramel sauce, and cream waffle. Fruit puree is a favorite waffle topping, and Waffleria has blueberry, strawberry, apple, and even mango. At Waffleria, you can also get a half-and-half waffle with two different menu options. Waffles are an inexpensive treat at just 2,000 or 3,000 won each, and the waffles are large enough to share.

One interesting menu item that makes Waffleria stand out is the yogurt and waffle parfaits: layers of frozen yogurt and chocolate or fruit sauce in a large cup topped with bite-sized pieces of waffles. The signs are posted on the door if you want to try one.

Where Waffleria differs from the rest is in their freshness. At Waffleria, there is a fleet of waffle irons and staff members working all day, making waffles to-order. You can be sure that you are not eating a waffle that has been sitting out for hours. Waffles are made in front of you and served hot.

Waffleria is located just across the street from the YMCA. Simply walk straight out of exit 13 of Banwoldang Station, and you’ll see the tiny shop that is Waffleria on your right. Be aware that if there is a line, it will be set up slightly to the left across from the entrance, leaving space for the many people walking around downtown to get between the door and the line. You will be called one party at a time to order. The line moves fairly quickly. Waffleria sells the same Korean-style waffles that are very popular already, but they expand on the topping options and value freshness above production speed. It’s a great place to try a Korean waffle if you’ve never tried one before or to grab a cheap dessert.

Friday, April 10, 2015

It can be uncomfortable just wandering into an unfamiliar restaurant in Daegu. You don’t know if the waiters speak any English or if the menu will be offered in English. Sometimes, you may not know where to get the food you want. It’s hard to get out of that comfort zone and try a new restaurant, especially when if you are also trying a new kind of food for the first time. That being said, there is one Korean dish that is well-worth the hassle and awkwardness you may experience while trying to find it: kimchi jjim. It’s like a kimchi pot roast. Kimchi jjim is slow-cooked meat marinated and served with kimchi. It is one of the best traditional Korean dishes.

If kimchi jjim sounds like something you want to try, look no further than Dongseongro Kimchi Jjim. The restaurant has just two menu items that you can either take-out or eat-in. They serve kimchi jjim and kimchi jigae (kimchi soup). Both cost 7,000 won per serving to eat-in and 6,000 won per serving to take-out. Both dishes are delicious, and portions are generous. For four people, ordering two servings of each should be plenty.

The kimchi jigae cooks at your table and comes with ramen noodles that you can add yourself. There are pork strips in the soup, so if you order both dishes, your meal won’t lack for meat and will be very satisfying. The kimchi jjim is just a piece of meat served next to a large chunk of warm kimchi that you have to cut up yourself. It looks pretty average, but it tastes incredible. You will not be sorry. The meal, like all Korean meals, is served with a good amount of side dishes as well. And make sure you order some rice as well to help with the spice.

You can find Dongseongro Kimchi Jjim on Dongseongro Street, the main street between Banwoldang and Jungangro stations. Go out exit 14 of Banwoldang station and continue walking straight for five minutes. Take your second left, and Dongseongro Kimchi Jjim will be on your right. There are three white signs with black and red writing on them around the outside of the restaurant. Dongseongro Kimchi Jjim is also pretty close to the yangyeongsi bus stop. If you head back towards the YMCA and Banwoldang station from that stop, take a right to head down the alleyway, and it will be on your right.

Branch out and try some delicious Korean food without having to worry about finding a good restaurant on your own. Dongseongro Kimchi Jjim may not seem very special from the outside, but the food is amazing.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

You may have read recently here on the Touch Daegu blog about the monthly Saturday artisans flea market at the Daegu Art Factory (DAF). Did you make it out? If not, here’s a few highlights from the market and more information on the DAF.

The Daegu Art Factory has an interesting history. Originally built as a tobacco manufacturing plant in 1949 (the manufacturing company’s history goes back to 1909), the plant remained in operation until 1999. Beginning in 2007, plans began to repurpose the warehouse into a place of resource for Daegu’s artist community. After several years of planning, fund raising, and collaboration within the city, the “Culture and Art Creative Belt Development Utilizing Local Modern Industrial Heritage.” was born and opened in 2010. In 2012, it was renamed with its current moniker, Daegu Art Factory.

“Daegu Art Factory starts anew as a genuine space for creation and communication through which the cultural energy of Daegu can erupt. Daegu Art Factory will grow up to be a power plant for culture and art, leading the culture of Daegu.”

The aim of the DAF is to “foster an environment for artistic creation by providing a space for artistic creation and by operating various residency programs for artists.” The DAF boasts several galleries, a reference library and art information center, an information and history room, a Kids Space, as well as a 120-seat black-box theater. For more information on current exhibits and performances, head over to the DAF website: http://www.daeguartfactory.kr/eng.action.

As mentioned, the DAF hosts a flea market for local artisans to sell their creations on the last Saturday of every month. The market takes place on the first floor and has about 30 separate vendors. You can shop for handmade items of all sorts – jewelry, fashion items, small purses/bags, floral arrangements, paper crafts, and more for very reasonable prices.

If you’re in need of refreshment, a small café on the ground floor also offers drinks and a few snacks.

While there, I picked up a small coin purse and a few kitchen scrubbies to send to my mom. All the vendors were very friendly and I will definitely visit again.What was my favorite thing about my visit? Aside from the goodies I purchased, the DAF information and history room also has a couple of stationary bicycles positioned in front of screens that, when you peddle, take you through a virtual tour of some alleys in Daegu. I was too tall for the bikes, but still managed to peddle a bit to get a taste of the experience. I highly recommend it – if for nothing more than a photo opportunity!

I hope you make it out to the Daegu Art Factory – either to see the monthly flea market or to take advantage of this cool space the city has created for local artists.Location and Hours:10:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday - Sunday (Closed Mondays and National Holidays)31-12 22-gil, Dalsung-ro, Jung-guHow do you get to Daegu Art Factory?*On the bus:take off the bus from one of 3 destinations below and walk approximately 5mins •Dowon Apartment: 101, 101-1, 420, 420-1, 618, 808, Bukgu#2 oIn front and across from this stop•Suchang Elementary school: 300, 414, 427, 808, 939, Donggu#2, Bukgu#2, Bukgu#3. oWalk toward the new subway line 3 Dalseong station. Take a right turn at the next intersection; you will see three large posts with colorful frog sculptures at the top. Walk straight and you will see the DAF in front of you in about two blocks.•Kyungjin Tech Vil: 651, 653 oIn front and across from this stopOn the subway:Take the red line to Daegu Station. Come out Exit 3 and walk 10 minutes to the Taepyeong junction (walking westward). *Beginning next month, you can also take the new yellow line to Dalseong Station, which will put you right where you need to be and may be the easiest way to find the DAF.**Directions to the DAF are a bit difficult to explain; I found my way by taking bus 427 to Suchang Elementary School and walked toward the new subway line 3 Dalseong station. Take a right turn at the next intersection; you will see three large posts with colorful frog sculptures at the top. Walk straight and you will see the DAF in front of you in about two blocks.